Posted on Nov 7, 2015
SGT Mark Seymour
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Why is it that Active Duty Vets are able to obtain an ID Card indicating their status, but a reservist who has fulfilled his or her contract cannot? Aside from the difference of vet status between the two obviously present of courser. Should such reservist be issued a card indicating a partial Vetran status?
Posted in these groups: Cac story 800 CACUnited states ar seal.svg Army Reserve
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Responses: 13
LTC Stephen F.
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Edited >1 y ago
During the summer, the VA began a process where any veteran could get a Veteran ID Card SGT Mark Seymour. Providing a valid DD-214 seems to be sufficient for obtaining the ID card in a state which offers one.
Many states issue Veterans ID cards for a nominal fee which varies among states, There were some discussions on RallyPoint about this during the early summer months.
State Verified Veteran Status
"Many of the various State governments have stepped in and provided a logo on their Driver’s and ID cards that will verify your veteran status and act as a Veteran ID card. The logo won’t be accepted as legal proof of eligibility for Veteran’s benefits, but just about any business that offers discounts will honor it. You can contact your State’s department that issues driver’s licenses for more information, or give the National Veterans Foundation a call [login to see] ) and they will look it up for you." from NVF webpage.
http://militarybenefits.info/how-to-get-a-veterans-id-card/
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SGT Mark Seymour
SGT Mark Seymour
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Yes sir, I do have the indicator on my Fl Dl, obtained by proving a DD214 copy. I had not heard of any change of issuance by the VA, so that is new information to me.
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LTC John Shaw
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SGT Mark Seymour The short answer is no. An Army Reservist will only be issued a card if they retire from the Reserve. Currently it is a Red, non-CAC, most Grey area retirees don't like losing access to AKO and other CAC only sites, but it is what it is.
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MAJ Keira Brennan
MAJ Keira Brennan
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My sentiments exactly sir!
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COL Jon Thompson
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A couple of points. First, the Army does not issue ID cards to members of the IRR. TPU reservists will have a CAC but those just fulfilling the remainder of their service obligation will not get one unless they are mobilized. Second, Soldiers that complete their USAR service are not considered Veterans by the VA for certain benefits unless they did an active duty period outside of initial entry training (BCT/AIT or BOLC). So if someone just did their weekend drills and 2 weeks of AT, that does not qualify. It may be different for state issued ID and I am not sure what the requirements are for the new Veterans ID card. However, I think if you do not have a DD214, you may not be eligible for one. I hope that provides some additional information to the other answers posted here.
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COL Jon Thompson
COL Jon Thompson
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Thanks for the clarification. I transferred from TPU to IRR so I could deploy. When I came back, I thought I was going to retire but was promoted instead. However since I was in the IRR, they said I could not get a CAC. I did get the green ID card though.
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SGT Mark Seymour
SGT Mark Seymour
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Yes I realize sir the VA does not concern you eligible as a reservist for veteran benefits. What I suggest is essentially a change. Many reservists spent eight years or so of their life fulfilling their contract. I think they should be recognized as much as anyone else that has spent 2 to 4 years of active duty. Most states do allow veteran status recognition with a DD 214 on their ID or driver's license. Thank you for your input Col.
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COL Jon Thompson
COL Jon Thompson
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SGT Mark Seymour - I fully agree with you there. I didn't even realize that until my last REFRAD and the VA rep said that. If you served honorably you should get something.
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